The clown, who has not been identified by the newspaper, said: "I just wanted to amuse people. Most people enjoy being a bit freaked out and then they can laugh about it afterwards.

'I just want to amuse people': The Northampton Clown insists his intentions are good

"It's like watching a horror movie. When people get scared, they usually start laughing."

Though he insists his intentions are good, the clown's habit of clutching a handful of balloons, a bedraggled teddy bear and waving forlornly, has left onlookers feeling frightened and intimidated.

Photo gallery

Creepy Clowns

See Gallery

Northampton Clown First Interview: 'I Just Want To Amuse People'

1/ 9

Creepy Clowns

1/ 9

ADVERTISEMENT

At time of press, he had amassed more than 126,000 ‘likes’ on his official Facebook page and continues to make his sinister appearances around the town, dressed in an all-in-one suit and outsize bow-tie.